Coach Brad McMillan and his squad are expecting a tough contest: Forbes was victorious when the traditional rivals last met, but that was in cold, rainy and slippery conditions at Spooner Oval.

In hopefully drier conditions at Pioneer Oval, McMillan's expecting there'll be a lot more strategy and skill at play.

McMillan has watched Parkes lift as the season has progressed and in any case, both sides will be looking for the opportunity to get one up on their traditional rivals.

"Forbes and Parkes always seem to step up when they play each other, no matter how they're going in the rest of the season," McMillan observed.

He's focussed - again - on the young Magpies on-line defence, but acknowledges it's more of a psychological battle once they're out there.

"Against a side like Parkes, who have the ability to score a number of tries, we can't afford to let them score soft tries like that," he said.

"I know we have got a side there that can score points, I'd prefer to be able to stop tries."

The game kicks off at 7.30pm Friday in Parkes.

Forbes remains undefeated in the Maas Group Western Youth League competition with just two rounds to play before the pool leaders meet in the finals series.

Looking to rugby union this weekend, our senior Platypi have the bye in the Blowes Clothing Cup campaign but the junior Platypi host Mudgee at Grinsted Oval.

Under 12s kick off at 9.20am, with 14s and 16s to follow. COVID-safe conditions to apply to attendance at all junior sports.

Thankfully for all our players, the weather forecast this weekend is looking a lot more favourable than some of the recent conditions they've faced.

After rain, hail and even snow on some grounds last weekend, this weekend's forecast is for sunny days with top temperatures of 19 on Saturday and 21 on Sunday.

The cold, frosty mornings we've had are even expected to ease by the weekend with a low of five degrees expected Sunday morning.